Reel assembly support with variable orientation

ABSTRACT

A reel assembly is provided to support lengths of fluid delivery line. A support arm is secured at one end with the reel assembly and shaped at the opposite end to engage a support structure. The support arm includes separate arm sections; each having mating end portions that are shaped to be releasably, coaxially securable with one another to resist rotation with respect to one another. The arm sections may be provided in various shapes, including straight and angled, to provide a variable geometry. A pivot joint may be formed within the support arm to allow a portion of the support arm and the reel assembly to pivot with respect to the support structure.

BACKGROUND

Reel assemblies have been used in a variety of different environments,for different purposes, for many years. To be sure, reels are frequentlymounted to permanent structures, such as the interior or exterior wallsof buildings, to deliver various fluids such as water and air. Otherreel assemblies are secured with portable frames that may be wheeled orcarried from one location to another in a convenient fashion.Irrespective of the portable or stationary manner, most reel assembliescommonly require a support arm to secure the reel assembly with anoperating structure.

Oftentimes support structures for reel assemblies are no more than anarm that is secured to a support frame or wall at one end and to anon-rotating portion of the reel assembly at an opposite end. Suchsupport arms may be provided in a number of different shapes andconfigurations in order to dispose the reel assembly at a favorableorientation with respect to the support structure. In this manner, auser may conveniently deploy and rewind lengths of hose supported on thereel assembly. However, due to the fact that many different useenvironments require different support configurations, many users havehad to custom fabricate support arms so that the reel assembly isdisposed at the correct location and orientation. Such customfabrication is time consuming and impractical for most users, whether ina commercial or residential setting. Accordingly, some users are forcedto buy support arms having particular lengths and configurations thatorient the reel assemblies in a manner that is oftentimes less thansatisfactory. For example, some arms may engage a wall or other supportstructure in a manner that disposes the reel assembly at an awkwardangle. Other support arms may position the reel assembly too close ortoo far away from the support structure. Other support arms aresatisfactory in their geometry but are provided in a less than durablestate that is prone to bending and breaking in various heavy dutyapplications.

Various attempts have been made to provide a support arm that isselectively movable between various positions with respect to thesupport structure to which it is secured. However, such designs tend tobe over complex and suffer from movable joints that are prone tofrequent misalignment or breakage. Moreover, such designs typically onlyallow the user to move or re-orient the reel assembly in a singledirection or axis with respect to the support structure. Finally, it isdifficult to develop a single design for a reel assembly support armthat permits multiple configurations for various users and differentapplications. Oftentimes a plurality of different embodiments isrequired to satisfy a handful of different applications. As such,complexity and cost of manufacture increases needlessly.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intendedto identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subjectmatter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A support system is provided to selectively orient a reel assembly in awide array of different use positions. The reel assembly includesopposite end portions and a line support section that is oriented tosupport the lengths of one or more fluid delivery lines. The support armincludes a plurality of individual arm sections that have one or moremating end portions. The mating end portions are shaped to releasably,coaxially secure with one another in a manner that resists rotation ofthe mating end portions with respect to one another. One end portion ofthe reel assembly is rotatably coupled with a mounting end portion ofthe support arm. An opposite, end portion of the support arm is shapedto securably engage a support structure, such as a wall, mobile orstationary support frame, and the like.

In some embodiments, the mating end portions of the arm sections areshaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth that are shaped topermit teeth from the mating end portion of the first arm section tointermesh with the teeth from the mating end portion of the second armsection. Accordingly, the arm sections may be secured with one anotherin one orientation, separated from one another, rotated axially withrespect to one another, and secured with one another in a second secureposition. In some embodiments, each arm section may be provided in avariety of shapes, wherein the arm sections have long axes that arestraight, angled, curved and the like.

In some embodiments, a pin member having a long axis is associated witha mounting end portion of the support arm and is movable along the longaxis between locked and unlocked positions with respect to a pluralityof recesses formed within an end portion of the reel assembly. Therecesses are shaped to receive a length of the pin member in the lockedposition, whereby rotational movement of the reel assembly issubstantially prevented.

Embodiments of the system will include a mounting end portion of thesupport arm that is shaped to have an elongated mounting post.Reciprocally, the support structure may include a receiving socket thatis shaped to releasably and securably receive the mounting post to mountthe system. In other embodiments, the mounting end portion of thesupport arm is provided with a mounting plate securably engaged to agenerally planar portion of the support structure.

Various embodiments of the system will include a pivot joint between thefirst and second end portions of the support arm, whereby a length ofthe support arm that is coupled with the reel assembly may beselectively pivoted with respect to the other end of the support arm. Insome embodiments, the pivot joint is disposed within an arm sectionbetween a mounting end portion that engages the reel assembly and amating end portion of the arm section, whereby the reel assembly and aportion of the arm section pivots on an a pivot axis with respect to themating end portion and the remainder of the support arm. A locking pinmay be associated with the pivot joint that is selectively movablebetween locked and unlocked positions, whereby pivoting movement of themounting end portion of the arm section, with respect to the mating endportion, is substantially prevented.

These and other aspects of the present system and method will beapparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figuresherein.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a partially exploded, isometric view of one embodimentand orientation of the support arm and demonstrates one manner in whichit may be coupled with a reel assembly.

FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation, cutaway view of the support arm andreel assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric, partially exploded view of anotherembodiment of the support system as the same may be used to support areel assembly.

FIG. 4 depicts a partially exploded isometric view of still anotherembodiment of the support system as the same could be used to support areel assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts yet another partially exploded isometric view of thesupport system as the same could be used to support a reel assembly.

FIG. 6 depicts still another embodiment of the support system as thesame could be used to support a reel assembly.

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the support system as the same mayprovide pivotable support to a reel assembly.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the support system as the samecould provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.

FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway, side elevation view of another embodiment ofthe support system as the same could provide pivotable support to a reelassembly.

FIG. 10 depicts yet another embodiment of the support system as the samecould provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.

FIG. 11 depicts still another embodiment of the support system as thesame could be used to provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way ofillustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments aredisclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Support systems of the present technology are generally provided tosupport at least one reel assembly in one of various use positions withrespect to a base support structure. It is contemplated that the supportsystems may be used with reel assemblies of a nearly endless number ofdifferent designs. Commonly, however, a reel assembly 10 used with thesupport systems disclosed herein will be configured to support one ormore lengths of generally flexible fluid delivery lines 12. Someexamples of such fluid delivery lines 12 include hoses designed for thedelivery of various gases, such as compressed air, and liquids, such aswater and other chemical compositions. Accordingly, irrespective of thespecific design of the reel assembly 10, it is contemplated that thereel assembly 10 will include a line support section or hub 14 thatextends between opposite end portions 16 and 18 of the reel assembly 10.The hub 14 may be shaped as a drum with a partially open or continuousexterior surface 20, which is adapted for supporting a length of thehose 12. Other designs of hubs 14 may be used, such as those includingindividual, elongated support members circumferentially spaced about anaxis of rotation. Some reel assemblies may include a pair of opposingflanges 22 and 24 that project outwardly from the opposing end portions16 and 18 of the reel assembly 10, to form an annular channel forreceiving a length of the fluid delivery line 12. The reel assembly 10will commonly include an axle 26, having a first end portion 28 and asecond end portion 30, that is provided to extend coaxially with the hub14 and be operatively coupled with the hub 14 in a manner that permitsselective rotation of the hub 14 about the axle 26. In some embodiments,a handle 32 is secured with one of the opposing flanges 22 or 24 topermit manual rotation of the reel assembly 10. Components ofapplicant's reel assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,790, issuedon Jun. 24, 2008, may provide an exemplary embodiment of a reel assembly10 that may be used with the support systems of the present technology.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a modular support arm 100, having a firstend portion 102 and a second end portion 104, may be provided to supportthe reel assembly 10 in one of various positions. In many embodiments,the support arm 100 will have at least a first arm section 106,associated with the first end portion 102, and a second arm section 108,associated with the second end portion 104. The first arm section 106and second arm section 108 are provided as separate structures that eachinclude mating end portions 110 and 112 that are releasably, coaxiallysecurable with one another. Specifically, the mating end portion 110 andmating end portion 112 are shaped to engage one another in a manner thatresists rotation of the mating end portions 110 and 112 with respect toone another. In some embodiments, the mating end portions 110 and 112are shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth 114 that are shapedto intermesh with one another in a first secure position as depicted inFIG. 2. The first arm section 106 and second arm section 108 may then beseparated from one another, rotated axially with respect to one another,and re-secured with one another in a second secure position that changesthe orientation of the support arm 100. In this manner, the mating endportions, with their spaced-apart teeth 114, serve as indexing cogs. Themating end portion 110 and mating end portion 112 may be secured withone another using various mechanical fasteners such as the threadedfastener 116 that passes coaxially at least partially through the secondarm section of the 108 and is received, coaxially, by mating threads 118associated with the mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106.

At least one end portion of the reel assembly 10 is operatively coupledwith a mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106. In someembodiments, the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106is coupled with the axle 26 on which the reel assembly 10 rotates.Depending upon the orientation of the opposing flanges 22 and 24 of thereel assembly 10, it is contemplated that the first arm section 106 mayextend outwardly from the axle at an angle, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5.This angle may approximate 45 degrees or other angle that best suits thedesign of the reel assembly 10 and its intended use. In variousembodiments, the mounting end portion 120 is provided with a mountingreceiver 122, which is provided with a recess that is shaped to receivea length of the axle 26 adjacent an end portion of the reel assembly 10.A mounting cap 124 is likewise provided, with a recess that is shaped toreceive a length of the axle 26, whereby the mounting cap 124 may becoupled with the mounting receiver 122 in a manner that disposes alength of the axle 26 between the mounting receiver 122 and mounting cap124, securing the axle with the first arm section 106. One or moremechanical fasteners 126 may be provided to removably engage themounting receiver 122 and the mounting cap 124 in a secure position. Inparticular, the mechanical fasteners 126 may help provide a compressiveforce that secures the axle 26 with respect to the first arm section106. In this orientation, the axle 26 and first arm section 106 may beprovided in a static position with respect to the rotatably mounted reelassembly 10.

In various contemplated uses, it may be desirable to secure the reelassembly 10 in a non-rotating position with respect to the axle 26 andthe support arm 100. In some embodiments, an elongated pin member 128may be coupled with the mounting end portion 120 of the first armsection 106 so that the pin member 128 is selectively movable along itslong axis between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the reelassembly 10. A plurality of recesses 130 may be formed within an endportion of the reel assembly 10, adjacent the mounting end portion 120of the first arm section 106. The recesses 130 will be shaped to receivea length of the pin member 128 in the locked position, wherebyrotational movement of the reel assembly 10 is substantially preventedwith respect to the first arm section 108. A plurality of recesses 130may be positioned in a circular pattern about a central opening in thereel assembly 10 that receives the axle 26. In this manner, the reelassembly 10 may be locked, incrementally, in various positionsthroughout its rotational cycle. In some embodiments, a spring member132 may be associated with the mounting end portion 120 of the first armsection 106 and the pin member 128 in a manner that biases the pinmember toward the locked position. In particular, the mounting endportion 120 of the first arm section 106 may be formed to include a slot134 that is shaped to slidably receive a handle member 136, associated,with an end portion of the pin member 128, when the pin member 128 is inthe locked position. The pin member 128 may be rotatably coupled withthe mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 such that thepin member 128 may be moved into the unlocked position by sliding thehandle member from within the slot 134 with the pin member 128 withdrawnfrom the recess 130 such that the handle member 136 is clear of the slot134. The pin member 128 may be retained in the unlocked position byrotating the pin member 128 until the handle member 136 is preventedfrom re-entering the slot 134.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the support arm 100 may be providedwith a third arm section 138 having a first mating end portion 140 andsecond mating end portion 142 that are shaped to engage the mating endportions 110 and 112 of the first arm section 106 and second arm section108 in a manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions 140 and142 of the third arm section 138 with the mating, end portions 110 and112 of the first arm section 106 and second arm section 108. In someembodiments, the first mating end portion 140 and second mating endportion 142 may be shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth 114,such as described previously with respect to the first arm section 106and second arm section 108. In some embodiments, such as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, the long axis that extends through the third arm section138 may be bent to at least approximate a right angle. In this manner,the third arm section 138 may provide an “elbow section” for orientingthe first arm section 106 with respect to the second arm section 108.Accordingly, the approximate right angle of the long axis that extendsthrough the third arm section 138 may be at 90 degrees or may beprovided to have an angle that is less than or greater than 90 degreesaccording to the desired design parameters. With the first mating endportion 140 of the third arm section 138 positioned against the matingend portion 110 of the first arm section 106, a mechanical fastener,such as the threaded fastener 116, may be passed through the firstmating end portion 140 and received by mating threads 118 formed withinthe mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106. Similarly, thesecond mating end portion 142 may be secured with the mating end portion112 of the second arm section 108 by passing a mechanical fastener, suchas the threaded fastener 116, through mating threads 118 formed withinthe second mating end portion 142 of the third arm section 138. However,it is contemplated that reversal of parts by passing the mechanicalfasteners through one arm section and providing mating threads within anopposite arm section is contemplated.

With reference to FIG. 3, a fourth arm section 144 may be associatedwith the support arm 100. The fourth arm section 144 will be shaped tohave a first mating end portion 146 and a second mating end portion 148at opposite ends of the fourth arm section 144. The first mating endportion 146 and second mating end portion 148 will be shaped to engagethe mating end portions of any of the first arm section 106, second armsection 108 or third arm section 138 in a manner that resists rotationof the mating end portions of the fourth arm section 144 with the matingend portions of any of the first arm section 106, second arm section108, and third arm section 138. In some embodiments, a long axis thatextends through the fourth arm section 144 may be straight. In thismanner, the fourth arm section 144 may serve as an extension fordisposing the reel assembly 10 at a further distance away from thesecond arm section 108. An exemplary orientation is shown in FIG. 3,whereby the mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106 issecured with the first mating end portion 146 of the fourth arm section144. The second mating end portion 148 of the fourth arm section 144 issecured with the first mating end portion 140 of the third arm section138. The second mating end portion 142 of the third arm section 138 maythen be secured with the mating end portion 112 of the second armsection 108. As described previously with respect to the joinder of thefirst arm section 106, second arm section 108, and third arm section 138with respect to one another, the fourth arm section 144 may be securedto adjoining arm sections through the use of one or more mechanicalfasteners, such as the elongated threaded fastener 150, with matingthreads 118 disposed within one mating end portion of an adjoining armsection.

A mounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108 will be shapedto be securely engaged with a support structure, such as a wall, supportframe, or the like, whether or not the support structure is staticallypositioned or mobile. With reference to at least FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, themounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108 is shaped, insome embodiments, to define a mounting plate. 154 having a mountingsurface 156 that is shaped to securably engage a generally planarportion of the support structure. While it is contemplated that themounting surface 156 will be formed to be generally planar in nature,other configurations are contemplated depending upon the environment inwhich the reel assembly 10 will be used. Moreover, it is contemplatedthat the mounting surface 156 may be formed in a contiguous nature or ina plurality of spaced-apart planar structures. In some embodiments, themounting surface 156 is shaped to define a recess 158 that extends intothe mounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108, adjacent themating end portion 112 of the second arm section 108. While the recessmay prove to reduce the weight of the second arm section 108 and reducethe amount of materials used to fabricate the same, it further providesan area that permits a mechanical fastener, such as the threadedfastener 116, to be placed in the recess 158 and removably passed, atleast partially, through the mating end portion 112 of the second armsection 108. It is contemplated, therefore, that the recess 158 will beshaped to not only receive the mechanical fastener, but also provideaccess to the mechanical fastener with one of various types of tools forsecuring and removing the mechanical fastener.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of the mounting endportion 152 of the second arm section 108 may be shaped to have anelongated mounting post 160. While it is contemplated that the elongatedmounting post 160 could be secured to, or received within, nearly anystructure, many embodiments will provide a collar or sleeve element (notdepicted) that will securely receive the elongated mounting post 160. Insome embodiments, the elongated mounting post 160 will have across-sectional shape that is polygonal. Where the receiving sleeve issimilarly shaped, rotation of the elongated mounting post 160 about itslong axis will be substantially prevented. One or more fasteners may bepassed through both the mounting sleeve and the elongated mounting post160 to secure their position with respect to one another. However, it iscontemplated that the weight of the support arm 100 and reel assembly 10will generally keep the elongated mounting post 160 in its secureposition with respect to a static or mobile structure.

With reference to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the support arm 100may be provided in a form that includes a shortened or abbreviated firstarm section 106 and second arm section 108. In the exemplary embodimentdepicted, the first arm section 106 is reduced to a form that includes,primarily, a mounting end portion 120 with the aforedescribed mountingreceiver 122 and mounting cap 124. This mounting end portion may beremovably or permanently secured with the axle 26 as describedpreviously. The second arm section 108, in this particular embodiment,may consist primarily of a mounting end portion 152 and a mounting plate154. Such embodiments will be desirable where it is not necessary toextend the reel assembly 10 away from a static or mobile mountingstructure. In some instance, the mounting structure will include its ownprojection or aperture to which the support arm 100 will be secured.

With reference to FIGS. 7-11, some embodiments of the support arm 100may replace the previously described first arm section 106 with a firstarm section 162 that includes a pivot joint 164 between the mounting endportion 166 and the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162.While the pivot joint 164 is depicted and described as being disposedwithin the first arm section 162, it is contemplated that nearly any ofthe arm sections described herein may include a pivot joint similar tothe pivot joint 164. To that end, it is further contemplated thatmultiple pivot joints may be associated with one or more of the armsections of the support arm 100. Where the pivot joint 164 is disposedwithin the first arm section 162 between the mounting end portion 166and the mating end portion 168, the mounting end portion 166 will pivoton a pivot axis with respect to the mating end portion 168.

In some regards, the first arm section 162 may be formed similarly tothe first arm section 106. For example, the mounting end portion 166 ofthe first arm section 162 may include a mounting receiver 122 andmounting cap 124 as described previously herein. To that end, themounting end portion 166 may be removably or permanently secured with aportion of the reel assembly 10, such as the axle 26. However, in otherembodiments, it is contemplated that such mounting structures will beunnecessary as the first arm section 162 will include an axle supportmember 170, having a first end portion 172 and an opposite second endportion 174 that extend from within the first arm section 162. A lengthof the first end portion 172 may be formed to define the axle 26 onwhich the reel assembly 10 rotates. It is also contemplated, however,that the first end portion 172 may simply form a mounting point for aseparate axle 26. The second end portion 174 of the axle support member170 may be formed to define a pivot support 176, whereby a length of thesecond end portion 174 extends into a socket 178 in the mating endportion 168 of the first arm section 162 in order to pivotably support aportion of the first arm section 162 and the reel assembly 10. One ormore bearings 182 of various designs known and used in the industry maybe disposed between the pivot support 176 and the socket 178 to providea secure, rotatable coupling between the pivot support 176 and thesocket 178. In some embodiments, a length of the pivot support 176 willbe oriented perpendicularly in relation to the axle 26 on which the reelassembly rotates. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may be pivotedthroughout a plane on which the axle 26 lies.

In some orientations, an engagement face of the mating end portion 168of the first arm section 162 is oriented to face perpendicularly fromthe pivot axis on which the pivot support 176 rotates. In suchembodiments, the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 isshaped to have a decidedly right angle prior to its terminal endportion. In doing so, however, the apex of the bend at the mating endportion 168 provides an opportunity to engage a swivel coupling 180 withthe second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170. Where theaxle support member 170 is provided as a hollow, tubular structure, anda swivel coupling 180 is secured with the second end portion 174, theswivel coupling 180 may be joined with a fluid source delivery line (notdepicted) so that the fluid may be delivered from the fluid deliveryline, through the axle support member 170 directly to the reel assembly10 and, in some instances, a second swivel coupling 180 that is securedwith the first end portion 172 of the axle support member 170. Aterminal end portion of this second swivel coupling 180 may then besecured with the fluid delivery line 12 supported on the reel assembly10. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may pivot about its axle 26 andpivot about an axis extending through a portion of its support arm 100while fluid is effectively delivered from a fluid source to the fluiddelivery line 12 on the reel assembly 10.

In some embodiments, a second elongated pin member 128 may be coupledwith the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 such thatit is selectively movable along its long axis between locked andunlocked positions. A plurality of recesses 130 may be formed within thefirst arm section 162, adjacent the mating end portion 168, whereby therecesses are shaped to receive a length of the pin member 128 in thelocked position in order to substantially restrict pivoting movement ofthe pivot support 176 with respect to the mating end portion 168 of thefirst arm section 162. In some embodiments, the pin member 128 may movealong an axis that is generally parallel with the pivot axis on whichthe pivot support 176 rotates. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses130 may be positioned in a circular pattern that encircles the pivotaxis, enabling the pivot joint 164 to be freely rotated and secured at aplurality of positions along its rotational path. A spring member 132may be coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section162 and the pin member 128 in a manner that biases the pin member 128toward the locked position. The mating end portion 168 of the first armsection 162 may be formed to include a slot 134 that is shaped toslidably receive a handle member 136 that is associated with an endportion of the pin member 128, when the pin member 128 is in the lockedposition. In some embodiments, the pin member 128 may be rotatablycoupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162such that the pin member 128 may be moved to the unlocked position bysliding the handle member 136 from within the slot 134. The pin member128 will be generally retained in the unlocked position by rotating thepin member 128 until the handle member 136 is prevented from re-enteringthe slot 134.

In many embodiments, the first arm section 162 may be provided with ashape that first extends downwardly and away from the reel assembly 10at an angle, such as previously described for the first arm section 106.The first arm section 162 may then bend beneath itself so that a lengthof the first arm section 162 is positioned beneath the reel assembly 10and in a plane that is generally parallel with the axis on which thereel assembly 10 rotates. The first arm section 162 may then bend againso that the second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170 isdisposed in a generally vertical fashion, beneath the reel assembly 10.In some respects, at least a portion of the first arm section 162 willgenerally resemble a question mark. It is contemplated that thisorientation will place a majority of the weight from the reel assembly10 directly on the pivot support 176 and retain the same within itssocket 178.

It is contemplated that the first arm section 162 and the axle supportmember 170 could be formed in a uniform construction with one another.However, it is also contemplated that the first arm section 162 and theaxle support member 170 will be separate structures simply coupled withone another. To this end, these structures may be formed from the sameor dissimilar materials. For example, in some embodiments, the axlesupport member 170 may be formed first from a material, such as variouscastable or extrudable metals, or from various polymers, depending uponthe intended use. Thereafter, the first arm section 162 may be formedaround the axle support member 170 and formed from other castable orextrudable metals, polymers, and the like. In at least one specificexample, the first arm section 162, as well as the reel assembly 10 andthe remainder of the support arm 100, may be formed from a lightweight,aluminum material or blend of materials that is corrosion resistant aswell as lightweight and inexpensive.

The aforedescribed modular nature of the support arm 100 with itsplurality of arm sections applies irrespective of whether or not a firstarm section 162, with its pivot joint 164, is used. With reference toFIGS. 8-11, a third arm section 138 may be provided with a long axisextending through the third arm section 138 that is straight. In someembodiments, the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 maybe secured with the first mating end portion 140 of the third armsection 138. The second mating end portion 142 of the third arm section138 may then be secured with the first mating end portion of the secondarm section 108. As described herein previously, the mounting endportion 152 of the second arm section 108 may be shaped to have amounting plate 154 or an elongated mounting post 160, as thosestructures have been described previously herein.

With reference to FIG. 7, a third arm section 138 may be provided with along axis that extends through the arm section 138 and is bent toapproximate a right angle. A fourth arm section 144 may also be providedthat has a long axis extending through it that is bent to at leastapproximate a right angle. In this embodiment, the mating end portion168 of the first arm section 162 is secured with the first mating endportion 140 of the third arm section 138. The second mating end portion142 of the third arm section 138 may then be secured with the firstmating end portion 146 of the fourth arm section 144. Finally, thesecond mating end portion 148 of the fourth arm section 144 may besecured with the mating end portion 112 of the second arm section 108.In this manner, a mounting plate 154, disposed at the mounting endportion 152 of the second arm section 108, may be disposed directlybeneath the pivot axis of the pivot support 176 and receive a majorityof the weight from the reel assembly 10 and the support arm 100directly.

Although the system and methods of employing the same have beendescribed in language that is specific to certain structures, materials,and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the inventiondefined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, thespecific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing theclaimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can bepracticed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as thoseexpressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in thespecification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in allinstances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to theclaims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claimswhich is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosedherein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claimsthat recite any and all subranges or any and all individual valuessubsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should beconsidered to include and provide support for claims that recite any andall subranges, or individual values that are between and/or inclusive ofthe minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with amaximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and soforth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

1. A system for supporting lengths of one or more fluid delivery lines,the system comprising: a reel assembly having opposite end portions anda line support section located between the opposite end portions that isoriented to support the lengths of one or more fluid delivery lines; anda support arm having a first end portion and a second end portion; thesupport arm having at least a first arm section, associated with thefirst end portion, and a second arm section, associated with the secondend portion; the first arm section and second arm section includingmating end portions that are releasably, coaxially securable with oneanother; the mating end portions of the first arm section and second armsection being shaped to engage one another in a manner that resistsrotation of the mating end portions of the first arm section and secondarm section with respect to one another; at least one end portion of thereel assembly being operatively coupled with a mounting end portion ofthe first arm section; a mounting end portion of the second arm sectionbeing shaped to securably engage a support structure.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the mating end portions of the first arm section andsecond arm section are shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeththat are shaped to permit teeth from the mating end portion of the firstarm section to intermesh with the teeth from the mating end portion ofthe second arm section.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the mating endportions of the first arm section and second arm section arc shaped to:(i) engage one another in a first secure position with respect to oneanother; (ii) separate from one another, (iii) rotate axially withrespect to one another, and (iv) be secured with one another in a secondsecure position.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the mating end portionof the first arm section and the mating end portion of the second armsection are secured with one another with a threaded fastener thatpasses, coaxially, at least partially through the second arm section andis received, coaxially, by mating threads associated with the mating endportion of the first arm section.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein themounting end portion of the first arm section is coupled with an axle onwhich the reel assembly rotates; the first arm section extendingoutwardly from the axle at an angle.
 6. The system of claim 5 furthercomprising a third arm section, associated with the support arm; thethird arm section having first and second opposite mating end portionsthat are shaped to engage the mating end portions of the first andsecond arm sections in a manner that resists rotation of the mating endportions of the third arm section with the mating end portions of thefirst arm section and second arm, section.
 7. The system of claim 6wherein a long axis that extends through the third arm section is bentto at least approximate a right angle; the mating end portion of thefirst arm section is secured with the first mating end portion of thethird arm section; the second mating end portion of the third armsection being secured with the mating end portion of the second armsection.
 8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a fourth armsection, associated with the support arm; the fourth arm section havingfirst and second opposite mating end portions that are shaped to engagethe mating end portions of any of the first, second, and third armsections in a manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions ofthe fourth arm section with the mating end portions of any of the firstarm section, second arm section, and third arm section.
 9. The system ofclaim 8 wherein a long axis that extends through the fourth arm sectionis straight; the mating end portion of the first arm section beingsecured with the first mating end portion of the fourth arm section; thesecond mating end portion of the fourth arm section being secured withthe first mating end portion of the third arm section; the second matingend portion of the third arm section being secured with the mating endportion of the second arm section.
 10. The system of claim 5 wherein themounting end portion of the first arm section is provided with amounting receiver having a recess that is shaped to receive a length ofthe axle adjacent an end portion of the reel assembly; a mounting capbeing provided with a recess to receive a length of the axle and shapedto couple with the mounting receiver, whereby a length of the axle ispositioned between the mounting receiver and mounting cap, securing theaxle with the first arm section.
 11. The system of claim 10 furthercomprising at least one mechanical fastener that removably engages themounting receiver with the mounting cap in a secure position.
 12. Thesystem of claim 5 further comprising a pin member having a long axis andoperatively coupled with the mounting end portion of the first armsection; the pin member being selectively movable along the long axisbetween locked and unlocked positions; a plurality of recesses formedwithin an end portion of the reel assembly, adjacent the mounting endportion of the first arm section; the recesses being shaped to receive alength of the pin member in the locked position, whereby rotationalmovement of the reel assembly is substantially prevented.
 13. The systemof claim 12 wherein the plurality of recesses are positioned in acircular pattern about an opening in the reel assembly that receives theaxle.
 14. The system of claim 12 further comprising a spring memberassociated with the mounting end portion of the first arm section andthe pin member in a manner that biases the pin member toward the lockedposition; the mounting end portion of the first arm section including aslot that is shaped to slidably receive a handle member, associated withan end portion of the pin member, when the pin member is in the lockedposition; the pin member being rotatably coupled with the mounting endportion of the first arm section such that the pin member may be movedto the unlocked position by sliding the handle member from within theslot; the pin member being retained in the unlocked position by rotatingthe pin member until the handle member is prevented from entering theslot.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting end portion of thesecond arm section is shaped to have an elongated mounting post; thesupport structure including a receiving socket that is shaped toreleasably and securably receive the mounting post.
 16. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the mounting end portion of the second arm section isshaped to define a mounting plate having a mounting surface that isshaped to securably engage a generally planar portion of the supportstructure.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the mounting surface ofthe mounting plate is shaped to define a recess that extends into themounting end portion of the second arm section, adjacent the mating endportion of the second arm section; the recess being shaped to permit amechanical fastener to be placed in the recess and removably passed atleast partially through the mating end portion of the second armsection.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein the support arm includes apivot joint between the first and second end portions of the supportarm, whereby a length of the support arm that is coupled with the reelassembly may be selectively pivoted with respect to the second endportion of the support arm.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the pivotjoint is disposed within the first arm section between the mounting endportion and mating end portion of the first arm section, whereby themounting end portion pivots on an a pivot axis with respect to themating end portion.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein an engagementface of the mating end portion of the first arm section is oriented toface perpendicularly from the pivot axis.
 21. The system of claim 19further comprising a pin member having a long axis and operativelycoupled with the mating end portion of the first arm section; the pinmember being selectively movable along the long axis between locked andunlocked positions; a plurality of recesses formed within the first armsection, adjacent the mating end portion; the recesses being shaped toreceive a length of the pin member in the locked position, wherebypivoting movement of the mounting end portion of the first arm section,with respect to the mating end portion, is substantially prevented. 22.The system of claim 21 wherein the plurality of recesses are positionedin a circular pattern that encircles the pivot axis.
 23. The system ofclaim 22 further comprising a spring member associated with the matingend portion of the first arm section and the pin member in a manner thatbiases the pin member toward the locked position; the mating end portionof the first arm section including a slot that is shaped to slidablyreceive a handle member, associated with an end portion of the pinmember, when the pin member is in the locked position; the pin memberbeing rotatably coupled with the mating end portion of the first armsection such that the pin member may be moved to the unlocked positionby sliding the handle member from within the slot; the pin member beingretained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin member until thehandle member is prevented from entering the slot.
 24. The system ofclaim 19 further comprising an axle support member, having first andsecond end portions; a length of the first end portion defining an axleon which the reel assembly rotates; the second end portion defining apivot support, whereby a length of the second end portion extends into asocket in the mating end portion of the first arm section to pivotablysupport the reel assembly.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein a lengthof the axle support member extends coaxially through the mounting endportion of the first arm section.
 26. The system of claim 24 wherein alength of the pivot support is oriented perpendicularly in relation tothe axle.
 27. The system of claim 24 further comprising a swivelcoupling coupled with the second end portion of the axle support member,whereby a fluid delivery line may be operatively, pivotably coupled withthe axle support line.
 28. The system of claim 27 further comprising asecond swivel coupling coupled with the first end portion of the axlesupport member, whereby a second fluid delivery line may be operatively,pivotably coupled with the axle support line while the fluid deliveryline is supported on the reel assembly.
 29. The system of claim 19further comprising: a third arm section, associated with the supportarm; the third arm section having first and second opposite mating endportions and a long axis extending through the third arm section that isstraight; the mating end portion of the first arm section being securedwith the first mating end portion of the third arm section; the secondmating end portion of the third arm section being secured with the firstmating end portion of the second arm section.
 30. The system of claim 29wherein the mounting end portion of the second arm section is shaped tohave an elongated mounting post; the support structure including areceiving socket that is shaped to releasably and securably receive themounting post.
 31. The system of claim 29 wherein the mounting endportion of the second arm section is shaped to define a mounting platehaving a mounting surface that is shaped to securably engage a generallyplanar portion of the support structure.
 32. The system of claim 19further comprising: a third arm section, associated with the supportarm; the third arm section having first and second opposite mating endportions and a long axis that extends through the third arm section thatis bent to at least approximate a right angle; a fourth arm section,associated with the support arm; the fourth arm section having first andsecond opposite mating end portions and a long axis extending throughthe fourth arm section that is bent to at least approximate a rightangle; the mating end portion of the first arm section being securedwith the first mating end portion of the fourth arm section; the secondmating end portion of the fourth arm section being secured with thefirst mating end portion of the third arm section; the second mating endportion of the third arm section being secured with the mating endportion of the second arm section.